The winning wind and solar energy vendors will supply Ameren and ComEd with renewable electricity to provide to consumers throughout the state. The 20-year agreements will help ensure long-term cost and rate stability for consumers across Illinois.

“Today’s announcement means that we will be increasing our use of renewable energy in Illinois, which will boost our economy and put more people to work,” said Governor Quinn. “Illinois is a leader in developing the green economy, and this support for renewable resources will keep us on the cutting-edge.”

The long-term agreements will help Illinois meet the goals established in 2007 by the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The RPS requires 25 percent of electricity provided to smaller customers by the state’s major utilities to be generated from renewable resources by 2025, with incremental percentage increases each year leading up to 2025.

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) administered the vendor bidding process. By guaranteeing a lower rate over a longer period of time, the long-term contracts allow providers to mitigate financial risk and pass the benefit of lower rates on to consumers.

“ComEd supports the Renewable Power Standards passed by the Illinois Legislature in 2007,” said Anne Pramaggiore, President and Chief Operating Officer of ComEd. “With the modifications made last year, the standards have served the state well by integrating wind and renewable resources and protecting consumers by balancing the need for clean energy supply with the impact on rates.”

“We congratulate Governor Pat Quinn for his leadership in making the development of renewable energy resources a priority of his administration,” said Scott Cisel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameren Illinois. “Illinois' continued leadership has been reinforced by IPA Director Mark Pruitt and the Illinois Commerce Commission, who have assured a long-term future supply of renewable power at fair prices.”

“Investing in renewable energy will provide long-term economic benefits by creating good-paying jobs and attracting development to our communities,” said Michael T. Carrigan, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO. “Wind and solar development are good for the environment, good for Illinois workers, and should be a part of the state's energy plan now and into the future.”